Oklahoma Christian University

PROJECT PURPOSE

Oklahoma Christian University has launched a Workforce Shortage Degree pilot program to solve both the nursing and teacher workforce shortages in Oklahoma. We developed and implemented nursing and educational bachelor's degrees in collaboration with Integris Health network and El Reno public schools. In our pilot year, we enrolled 180 nursing students and 43 teacher education candidates. Through the use of disrupted innovation theory, industry partnerships, and the use of technology, we have been able to create a degree that is the most affordable in the state. The total cost of these degrees are $7500 a year. 70% of all students enrolled in this pilot have transferred in multiple college hours making the degree even more affordable. Furthermore, the university is actively finding ways to give college credit for work experience.

EVIDENCE

https://kfor.com/news/local/oklahoma-christian-university-integris-team-up-for-innovative-nursing-program/ https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-christian-university-launches-alternative-placement-program/30873541# https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2021/07/22/work-based-degree-program-aimed-helping-oklahomas-nursing-shortage/8018851002/

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Oklahoma Nursing Association indicates Oklahoma has 712 nurses per 100,000 residents, well below the national average. The pandemic has exacerbated the problem causing burnout of nurses across the state. Our education sector is also experiencing a reduction among the teaching workforce. Teacher retirements are up 38% compared to last year. In January of 2021, Oklahoma reported over 2,700 emergency certified teachers. Our target students are entry level employees working within the current systems that would like to up-skill but can't afford a traditional degree. The nursing student pipeline will consist of thousands of nursing assistants and hundreds of nurse techs who graduate from career techs each year. Our K-12 student pipeline will consist of the 11,437 paraprofessionals working in public schools across the state solving our work force shortages in Oklahoma.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Using university data systems we will measure performance based on enrollment/retention rates, student academic success, and industry partnership feedback.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma